Propylparaben, the n-propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, occurs as a natural substance found in many plants and some insects, although it is manufactured synthetically for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods. It is a preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products. As a food additive, it has the E number E216.
| ITEM | SPECIFICATIONS | 
| Characters | White crystalline powder | 
| Purity (on dry base) % | 98.0-102.0 | 
| Acidity (PH) | 4.0-7.0 | 
| Melting point (°C) | 96-99 | 
| Sulfate (SO42-) | =<300 ppm | 
| Residue on Ignition (%) | =<0.10 | 
| Completeness of solution | Clear and transparent | 
| Organic volatile impurities | =<0.5 | 
| Loss on Drying (%) | =<0.5 |